Benton Harbor Narrative Project

Julie Weiss researcher extraordinaire wrote this wonderful piece.

One-hundred-twenty-one years ago yesterday, September 8, 1900, Theodore Roosevelt visited Benton Harbor on a campaign tour as President McKinley’s running mate in the 1900 presidential election. A number of years ago someone gave me a photo taken of TR sitting in a carriage at the Benton Harbor Union Station. I did some investigation of the event in conjunction with my research for the book on the Klocks and Jean Klock Park. A small excerpt: “One of the most significant stories J.N. [Klock’s] Evening News ever covered was Roosevelt’s campaign whistle stop in Benton Harbor in September, 1900. ... Arriving by train at the Union Depot, a festooned carriage met him and made its way up Water Street to Main where he stood and bowed to the cheering thousands assembled. From there he went up Main to Sixth Street and to a tent set up on what a reporter called the “city park.” Ten thousand people had come to see him. Null’s Band played the Star Spangled Banner, Republican leaders preened before the honored war hero and statesman, and T. R. spoke on the gold standard and American might. He lost his voice in several spots and bantered with the audience, and they loved him for it. T.R.’s standing in Benton Harbor was supreme.”

Check out this event!

The 'Tom Benton' Silsby Steamer, the very first piece of modern firefighting equipment bought by the city of Benton Harbor, arrived back here after a decades long absence. The steamer will join us Monday morning at the site of the Yore Opera Fire as we honor the firemen that were lost that night. We hope you are able to join us too.

As the exhibition winds-down you can still make an appointment to see what the real history of BHAD has been in photographs and artifacts.

The next phase of the Benton Harbor Narrative Project will be starting up soon. Research and documentation will begin to create the City Center National Register Historic District.

The Historic City Center research will help residents and visitors to interpret the 153 years of Downtown Benton Harbor history and cultural changes.

Former Mary’s House of David Hotel Plans from early 2000’s never built

Benton Harbor’s own Dawn Yarbrough Host of the first Southwest Michigan show produced and broadcast on PBS telling our stories is still available at WNIT... Check it out!

Harbor Lights TV Harbor Lights TV is an 8 episode 30 minute television series in magazine format Created, Produced and Hosted by Dawn Yarbrough. It features positive stories about the interesting projects, people, places, and events of communities throughout Southwestern Michigan.

The 20 Years of the Benton Harbor Arts District Exhibition will remain on display at 205 Territorial Road and can be seen by appointment.

Please inbox us to set up a time to see the pictures and memorabilia telling just a portion of the Narrative through images.

This exhibit is part of a larger multi-year project to document the century and a half of the proposed City Center National Register Historic District comprising the traditional Downtown including the Benton Harbor Arts District. For more information please contact us at [email protected]

Thanks to Benton Harbor/Chicago world renowned Sculptor Richard Hunt for lending his beautiful sculptures for Art Hop!

Counting down gathering and sorting photos, and special items to display for the 20 year snapshot of BHAD! Be there!
205 Territorial Road Summer Art Hop 21 June 6-8